Document Type
Poster
Unit
PACU
Site
North Shore University Hospital
Date
11-20-2024
Start Date
20-11-2024 10:00 AM
Abstract
Excessive noise in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) negatively impacts patient recovery, increasing anxiety, pain, and recovery times (Sarkar et al., 2021). Following low patient satisfaction scores regarding noise levels in the PACU from the 2023 Press Ganey survey, a quality improvement project was initiated to create a culture of noise awareness. From August 2023 to May 2024, noise levels were measured using a decimeter during peak noise times (2100, 0030, 0330, and 0700), targeting the World Health Organization's recommended 40 dB limit for hospitals (WHO, 2020). Implementation of comfort kits containing chimes, combined with targeted noise reduction strategies, significantly reduced PACU noise levels, promoting a more restful healing environment. Ongoing monitoring, staff training, and patient feedback will ensure the sustainability of these improvements.
Noise Matters: Enhancing Patient Recovery through Sound Management in the PACU
Excessive noise in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) negatively impacts patient recovery, increasing anxiety, pain, and recovery times (Sarkar et al., 2021). Following low patient satisfaction scores regarding noise levels in the PACU from the 2023 Press Ganey survey, a quality improvement project was initiated to create a culture of noise awareness. From August 2023 to May 2024, noise levels were measured using a decimeter during peak noise times (2100, 0030, 0330, and 0700), targeting the World Health Organization's recommended 40 dB limit for hospitals (WHO, 2020). Implementation of comfort kits containing chimes, combined with targeted noise reduction strategies, significantly reduced PACU noise levels, promoting a more restful healing environment. Ongoing monitoring, staff training, and patient feedback will ensure the sustainability of these improvements.